The largest CQU graduation ceremony yet held in Sydney took place on August 29 when 560 graduates from 38 countries took part.

The ceremony, which lasted for 2 hours, was held in the historic Sydney Town Hall.

The ceremony opened with the procession of VIPs led by a Scottish piper wearing traditional dress. It also featured musical performances by Dr Dimitri Kopanakis (a former CQU lecturer and student).

Attending VIPs included CQU Acting Chancellor Mr Charles Ware, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Rickard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Informatics Professor Gus Geursen.

The Acting Chancellor congratulated graduates on their achievements and Professor John Rickard introduced Professional Doctorate graduates Dr Allen Nuchthabanik and Dr Stephen Townsend.

The guest speaker Mr Timothy Fitz-John Smith, Chief Executive of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET), congratulated the students on their achievements stating: “It takes tremendous willpower and courage to come to a strange country, far away from your homes and families to undertake difficult and challenging studies".

Mr Smith acknowledged the personal and financial sacrifices that many students have made to reach this point and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained for a better society.

Photos: Guest speaker Mr Timothy Fitz-John Smith .... and with Acting Chancellor Mr Charles Ware and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Rickard.